Spain: Believes in youth, adheres to style, but needs goals

• Spain team announced by coach Luis Enrique late on Friday
• Pedri, Gavi, Yeremy Pino, and Nico Williams all being selected for his 26-man team
• Fati is one of those players who can transform a game into a moment of magic

There were not many shocks in the Spain team announced by coach Luis Enrique late on Friday as the country strives to recreate Vicente del Bosque’s historic victory of 2010.

With young players like Pedri, Gavi, Yeremy Pino, and Nico Williams all being selected for his 26-man team, the coach has given youth a lot of significance.

This Spain side doesn’t appear to be as talented as the storied squad that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The only 2010 player still playing is Sergio Busquets, however left-back Jordi Alba started his lengthy international career after that victory in South Africa.

Busquets, Pedri, and Gavi are set to be fixtures in midfield, and Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, and Ansu Fati are also included, according to Xinhua. Enrique has looked to Barcelona to provide the backbone of his side.

The inclusion of Fati could be a gamble, but the player, who just turned 20 on October 31st, has been gaining playing time after two years of injury struggles, and his pace and talent could be a crucial element in a situation when the Spanish may suffer the most.

Fati is one of those players who can transform a game into a moment of magic, and that is vital for the Spanish, along with Nico Williams, who will likely come on as an impact sub and play on the right wing.

Spain had a high percentage of the ball during their World Cup qualifying matches, but they struggled to convert that possession into clear-cut chances, despite scoring 15 goals overall.

Spain’s assault will likely be led by Alvaro Morata, who has a record of 27 goals in 57 games. He isn’t a killer in the penalty area, though, and Spain has lost two of their most reliable strikers with Mikel Oyarzabal still recovering from a knee injury and Gerard Moreno not deemed well enough.

Inigo Martinez’s surprise absence from Spain’s defence could be a vulnerability, especially because Pau Torres and Eric Garcia both possess strong ball skills but lack the Basque team’s defensive savviness.

At left back, Jordi Alba and Jose Gaya are sure things, and Dani Carvajal will start on the right, with Azpilicueta and Llorente serving as backups. Unai Simon of Athletic Club Bilbao is a mainstay in goal, a quick shot-stopper, and assured in the air.

With Simon in goal, Carvajal on the right, Aymeric Laporte and Garcia in the centre of defence, and either Alba or Gaya on the left, Spain will likely use a 4-3-3 system. Starting in midfield will be Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, or Rodri. Morata will be the striker, surrounded by Olmo (or Sarabia), Torres, and Williams, with Yeremy and Williams serving as impact replacements.

On November 17, Spain will play a friendly match in Jordan, which should provide a better indication of how the somewhat unpredictable Enrique will line up his team.

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